Everyone tensed. Hannah and the twins covered their mouths to stop any noise. Jaxon tightened his grip on his rifle and closed his eyes, hoping the night would pass without them being found.
The roars came again, closer this time. Each sound scraped along the walls like claws. They all knew the creatures were moving toward the pagoda, inching nearer and nearer.
One of the creatures outside jumped just beyond the pagoda and sniffed the air like a dog detecting prey. Then it leapt toward the building, climbing higher and higher along the walls. When it reached the top, it let out a deafening roar.
Elena held the twins' hands tightly. Hannah pressed herself closer to Natasha and Cindy, while Isabel gripped Jaxon's arm with trembling hands. Even Burgors and Haris felt their hearts hammering in their chests. Yet every one of them forced themselves to stay silent, controlling their breathing as best they could.
